ASUS Announces Support for Intel Optane Memory Through BIOS Update

by Hilbert Hagedoorn on: 03/27/2017 05:01 PM | source: | 4 comment(s)

ASUS today announced new UEFI BIOS updates that add support for the new Intel Optane memory technology in compatible ASUS 200-Series motherboards.

Intel Optane memory is a new class of non-volatile memory — packaged in an M.2 module format — that enables SSD-like performance from a large hard disk drive (HDD), accelerating overall system performance and improving responsiveness for a blazing-fast computing experience. The new UEFI BIOS updates allow installation of the Intel Optane memory application, which activates the M.2 module. The combination of Intel Optane memory and a large HDD delivers intelligent system acceleration that minimizes boot-up times, reduces file-load times and speeds up frequently performed tasks. As it works with HDDs, Intel Optane technology allows users to enjoy the benefits of faster system performance while maintaining large storage capacities. The new UEFI BIOS updates are available to download immediately for compatible ASUS 200-Series motherboards, allowing users to take advantage of the many performance benefits of Intel Optane memory.

Users who have purchased compatible ASUS 200-Series motherboards will be offered quick, safe, and easy firmware updates that add support for this revolutionary new memory technology. Once installed and configured, the ASUS UEFI BIOS permanently retains the Intel Optane memory configuration details — meaning that users will not need to re-enter settings when restoring default settings, updating the BIOS, or when they clear the CMOS configuration.

Chipset	Model Name	BIOS Version	UEFI BIOS Update Tool
			USB BIOS Flashback	EZ Flash 3
Z270	ROG MAXIMUS IX EXTREME	906	v	v
	ROG MAXIMUS IX FORMULA	906	v	v
	ROG MAXIMUS IX CODE	906	v	v
	ROG MAXIMUS IX APEX	906	v	v
	ROG MAXIMUS IX HERO	906	v	v
	ROG STRIX Z270E GAMING	906		v
	ROG STRIX Z270F GAMING	906		v
	ROG STRIX Z270H GAMING	906		v
	ROG STRIX Z270G GAMING	906		v
	ROG STRIX Z270I GAMING	607		v
	TUF Z270 MARK 1	906	v	v
	TUF Z270 MARK 2	906		v
	PRIME Z270-A	906		v
	PRIME Z270-AR	906		v
	PRIME Z270-K	610		v
	PRIME Z270-P	608		v
	Z270-DRAGON	608		v
	PRIME Z270M-PLUS	607		v
H270	ROG STRIX H270F GAMING	607		v
	PRIME H270-PRO	607		v
	PRIME H270-PLUS	609		v
	PRIME H270M-PLUS	605		v
Q270	PRIME Q270M-C	609		v
	Q270M-CM-A	609		v
B250	ROG STRIX B250F GAMING	606		v
	PRIME B250-PRO	608		v
	PRIME B250-PLUS	608		v
	PRIME B250M-PLUS	607		v
	PRIME B250M-A	612		v
	PRIME B250M-C	607		v
	EX-B250M-V5	609		v

ASUS 200-Series motherboards include the renowned ASUS USB BIOS Flashback feature, enabling users to install UEFI BIOS updates with incredible ease. The innovative tool downloads the latest BIOS to a USB flash drive, allowing users to upgrade the media-acclaimed ASUS UEFI BIOS quickly and easily. With USB BIOS Flashback, the motherboard doesn’t need a CPU or DRAM modules installed, as long as the motherboard is connected to a power supply, users can plug in their USB drive and press the USB BIOS Flashback or Reset button for an instant upgrade.

Users can also update firmware by using the EZ Flash 3 tool. The UEFI BIOS upgrade is downloaded via the internet using EZ Flash 3, and with just a few simple steps the motherboard will be upgraded to the latest firmware, ready for blazing-fast Intel Optane Memory.

To take advantage of these updates, users can visit the ASUS website, www.asus.com, and download the relevant UEFI BIOS version today.

A compatibility list showing which ASUS 200-Series motherboards support Intel Optane Memory is provided below, and is also available from: https://www.asus.com/microsite/mb/intel-optane-ready/.

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alpha2beta
Member

Posts: 82
Joined: 2003-08-27

#5412999 Posted on: 03/27/2017 05:59 PM

This update broke overclocking on my ROG STRIX Z270G GAMING Motherboard.

Anytime I do any overclocking the multiplier is stuck at 8x Flash the bios back to the previous one and everything is fine.

Amx85
Senior Member

Posts: 330
Joined: 2016-09-28

#5413031 Posted on: 03/27/2017 07:09 PM

Where is Asus AM4 Motherboards update? lol

SSD_PRO
Senior Member

Posts: 168
Joined: 2013-02-07

#5413033 Posted on: 03/27/2017 07:15 PM

Interesting that these motherboards were to have exclusive and native support. Now they release a UEFI update to patch support. So will the 300 series boards actually be the first to truly support?

DLD
Senior Member

Posts: 815
Joined: 2002-09-14

#5413132 Posted on: 03/28/2017 03:07 AM

The whole idea is wrong, especially from the "bang for the buck" point of view. Just equip your machine with a decent 512 GB SSD and the regular HDD, keep the OS and the programs on SSD and you're good to go...

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